My Blessings

2011 is coming to end. For me its been a year of both great things and many health issues. On the great side my first book with my new e-pub house Muse It Up released January 1st, The Lighthouse. It's now out in print too and its my first book ever to go to print.

On the health side I've been plagued with sinus infections up the wahzoo, ended up in the hospital after going septic, and wound up bedridden for weeks. My cat got an eye infection and worst of all, my mom had a small stroke.

But this year has had its fair share of blessings especially by the way of people. I'm only going to name a few because if I mentioned everybody this entry would go on until 2013.:-)

First off I want to tell everyone at Muse, authors and staff how much I appreciate them. Being part of the Muse family means a lot to me. You all rock.

Then there is my next door neighbor Dee who has been a great friend and big help. She's always so sweet and offering to help out. The lady is amazing.

Winnie, another neighbor of mine. She's the most angelic woman I know even though life keeps handing her a raw deal. In spite of living through the blitz, dealing with racial predjudice when she moved here, and burying two children within months of each other, she remains a positive and giving soul.

N.J. Walters, the woman who inspired me to get published in the first place. This woman is my writing hero. And since then she's also become a dear and treasured friend.

Jewish Children's & Family Services. Sound odd? Well this service has helped me and my mom more than I can ever express. This place is a godsend....literally.

Litsa Kamateros, the marketing director for Muse. She's always so encouraging and supportive of my mother and me. She's an absolute gem.

Karen Cote. I met her through Muse but she's become a very close friend since. Knowing her has been one of the greatest blessings.

Sara Durham, another Muse author. Her courage has truly left me awed and inspired.

Delilah K. Stephans, head of the art department. But for me she's become so much more, a best friend and a sister of the heart as her husband Matt has become a brother of the heart. Both of these people are so special and I am so grateful I know them.

Of course I have to add my two kitties, Mamabear and Spatz who make each day fun and filled with joy and lots of cat hair.:-)

And I lastly and most importantly, my Mom, my best friend in the whole universe. She's always there for me and always knows how to make me laugh and feel better when I'm down. She's the best Mom in the whole universe and I thank heaven that she's mine.

And to close I want to mention a few special friends. Kaye Manro, Tanja Cilia, Gail Branan, Penny Ehrenkrantz, Chris Speakman, Greta Gunselman, Carrie RO and Barbara Ehrentreu. And there are so many more.

I'm sorry I can't mention everyone but this would never end. Just know that everyone of you both named here and not have touched my life and filled it. I love each and every one of you and hope that 2012 brings you more joy than ever. Brightest Blessings to you all.

L.J. Holmes is HERE!

Today I am so lucky to have 

L.J. Holmes, multi-published, and award winning author here. It's not often anyone gets a chance to really grill L.J. Holmes, and who better than me...her daughter?

See I can get away with asking her things the rest of you wouldn't know to ask. So let's get started.

L.J. Holmes, why the mysterious name?

Is it mysterious? L.J. happens to be my initials...Linda Jean, so not very mysterious.

I HAD thought about making L.J. a bit more intriguing in the beginning...turning the intials into one name Eljay Holmes, but I'm not all that crazy about the letter "E", so I had to nix that idea. (I grew up in an era when the letter "E" meant your report card was gonna get you into a lot of trouble if "E's" showed up anywhere. Not to mention the list Mother Mary Catherine would have placed me on. E's are like curse words.)

That's right. You attended private school when you were a child.

Not just private school. I attended school back when nuns still wore the complete habit and cracked rulers across the knuckles of those they deemed were misbehaving. So yeah, I have a lot of scary memories that have stayed with me.

How many of those scary memories work their way into your books?

I think every author brings a part of their own history into what they write, and I'm no different. Still I've avoided having any of my heroines rolling sod, or beak-pecked from collecting chicken eggs from deranged hens. Some childhood events just don't translate well into adult tales.

Speaking of tales, you have a very special promotion going on right now. Wanna tell us about it?

Absolutely. During the entirety of this quarter, all the royalties I earn for five of my book titles are going to a woman's shelter here in Burlington County, NJ called THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE.

People think once you get published, overnight you turn into Danielle Steele or

Stephen King...I wish. The fact is, it takes years to build a fan base. I don't have that fan base yet, but I do have a LOT of books, so I chose the last four of my releases for this year and one I released in May 2011. All my royalties for these five books, during this quarter will be going to THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE.

It is my hope at this time of Holiday giving, enough people will be moved to help me share the holiday spirit with the future of this worthy place.

Why is this place so important to you?

Once upon a time, during my own personal dark ages, I faced the evil control of the monster. THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE gave me the support and encouragement I needed to win my extradition from the monster's domain. I want to make sure they are there to help future victims leave the clutches of their monsters.

THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE relies solely on donations. One day I hope to be another Danielle Steele...but until then, this is my meager way of giving a bit back to thank them for being there when I needed them.

FIVE BOOKS? And you're giving 100% of your royalties for ALL of them?

Yes. It's the least I could do.

Tell us about the books included in your giveaway.

I guess I'll start with the May release. TWILIGHT COMES, is a dark story about major dysfunction inside a family. No happy ending for this one...no joy...but power.

This story makes me uncomfortable, and it should.

Why did you write it if it makes you so uncomfortable?

It needed to be written. Sometimes we have no choice about the story our inner voices send us. This is one such story. Those who have read this story, told me it is powerful and haunting, but also honest to its core.

My next one, BEYOND YESTERDAY released in September, is also a haunting story about family dysfunction...but this one has a happy ending. Our childhoods shape who we are as adults, and sometimes we have to confront the ghosts from those years to find the joy waiting ahead of us. That's the journey the heroine in this story confronts.

Book Three moves from dark into playfully erotic. Even the title is tongue-in-cheek playful...SUC-U.

That sounds REALLY naughty doesn't it? And it sort of is. Suc-U is the name of a service company of succubi entitled Succubus United. Ambreaton Nightshade "man's" the phone when HE, the client all modern day sucs pant over calls to register a complaint. Now's her chance to be his Suc of the night and she's not going to let it slip through her talons.

Book Four...another playful, in a manner of speaking, erotic tale called CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON. What would you do if someone you respect dares you to spend one afternoon in a nudist camp and you never pass up on a dare? You drive to the nearest camp, ignore your shaking knees and all over blush and dive right in.

Book Five...just released. It is book two in The Christmas Miracles Series and a sequel to last year's award winning

SANTA IS A LADY, curiously entitled THE CHRISTMAS WAR.

We met Beck Cavington in book one and Irene Cavington, Beck's mother was also mentioned. It's a year later, and Irene has an agenda. She must get Beck safely married before Beck turns 35...nine days from now. Conniving is Irene's forté, but Beck loathes the pampered rich boys Mom parades before her. She loves running her own successful, to Irene's chagrin, confection store too much to waste time performing like clockwork for Irene's plans.

Happily single, about to be "aunt" to her best friend's soon-to-be-born child, her life is complete...until Reverend Hank Childress enters Northeringale, a town notorious for Christmas Miracles.

Irene is going to hate Hank, but Beck can't keep herself from drooling. Irene needs to win this battle or lose everything she's spent her entire adult life scheming to own, and she's not above any underhanded trick...just ask her ex-husband.

Five books and the royalties from ALL of them are going to THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE?

Yes, from September 1, 2011 through the ending of the current quarter all of my royalties for these books will be donated to THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE.

Anything else you want to tell my readers?

It is my dream a day will come when we won't need places like The Providence House, but until then, please help. And thank you.

Thank you L.J.

All of the above books can be purchased via Muse It Up Bookstore, for the largest donation amount.

On behalf of myself and all of my Muse Publishing Family...including my Mom, L.J. Holmes, you all have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Happy Birthday N.J. Walters!

Today's the birthday of one of my favorite people on the planet. Happy Birthday N.J. Walters. I hope you have nothing but joy and fun today. And of course, lots of cake and presents.:-)


 

Hades Has A Cover!

And wow is it ever HOT! Sizzling to be exact. It's my first ever Jimmy Thomas cover and my uber talented CA Delilah K. Stephans knocked this, just like all my covers, out of the solar system. In Death's Arms will release from Muse It Publishing's hot side in January 2012. I love this!

New Feature!

I've added a new feature to my blog...a monthly poll. This month's poll is up on the right side of the blog. What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day food? Have fun.:-)

A Few Of My Favorite Things

People keep asking me, besides cats what are some of your favorite things. So...here are ten things besides kitties that are my favorite things...and in no particular order.

1: Chocolate. Can't get enough.



2: Plums. My favorite fruit.



3: Water scenes. I love the water.



4: Demeter, my all time favorite Greek goddess.



5: Diet Pepsi. I'm addicted I admit.



6: Tulips. My favorite flowers.



7: Blue...my favorite color



8: Lighthouses...heck I made a whole story about them.



9: Winter. My favorite season.



10: Apple Cider...love the stuff.



So that's a bit about things that I like. There are way more...I'm a Scooby fan big time and X-Men, but those and other items will be for the next list I do.:-)

New Look!

Welcome to November. I've changed the look of my blog. Had the last design for over a year and felt in need of a change. Let me know what you think.:-)

Happy Halloween

May your day be filled with fun, spooks, and lots of candy. And may we all take a moment today to remember someone who's crossed over and to wish them well on their journey to the afterlife. Happy Halloween everyone.

Fun Recipes Tonight!

Tonight we are having a fun and unique chat in the Muse Writer's Conference chat room. I and 3 other Muse Erotica authors are going to be sharing some of our hot recipes to spice up the cold months.:-) All the details are below. You'll have to create an account to be in the chat room but it's free. I hope to see you all there for all the fun.




OCT 16 7PM EST IN CONFERENCE CHAT ROOM

http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/

Muse Erotica Authors present: SIZZLING RECIPES TO HEAT YOUR FALL COOL NIGHTS

1-Jennifer Brown

2-Kay Dee Royal

3-Kat Holmes

4-Emily Pikkasso

And I hope you'll tune in to my blog tomorrow when I post a Halloween teaser of my upcoming vampire series.:-)

Vampires Really Do Exist!

I love a good vampire story. Heck, I am writing a vampire series. The first book comes out next year. This is our traditional opinion of the vampire.

The undead being sucking the life force in the form of blood from his or her victim. But, they're really are vampires in this world and they really do suck the life force from you. And I'm not talking blood. I'm referring to real life energy vampires.

We all have come across these people even if we didn't think of them as vampires. But that's what they are. You know these people. They are so negative, so emotionally overpowering, that when they finally leave you feel as if you have no energy left.

Well, guess what. You really don't. They have literally fed off your energy and left you feeling tired, achy, and depressed. Now we all know people who at times are depressed but are fine and perky the next time we speak. It's not those people I refer to. There are some people that EVERY time they come around you are left feeling listless and drained. Those are the energy vampires.

I have a couple such people in my life right now. One, no matter what I can't avoid because of work issues. But the other, I have come to the conclusion that I am better off not spending any time at all with. So, I am forced, even though I truly do care about this person, to sever our ties completely for the sake of my sanity.

You can't reason with these people. You can't point out what they are doing because they truly are masters of turning everything back on you, making it your fault. I read this great article and I will put the link up all about energy vampires and how they think and act at the end of this posting.

In some cases you can mitigate how much damage they do, but in other cases, like the one I just mentioned, the only solution is the most drastic, complete separation. So, our myths and tales really are true; just remember that the way we symbolize it is different from how it really manifests. Happy October and welcome to the month of Halloween.

http://celestinechua.com/blog/dealing-with-energy-vampires/

We're A Year Old!

On Saturday, October 1st, at 8pm EST, MuseItUp Publishing invites you to join them for a night of celebration.





WHERE: http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com  --click on CHAT ROOM. If it's the first time entering the chat room you'll need to REGISTER first.


TIME: 8PM to 10PM EST, Saturday, October 1st




Meet the authors, staff, and publisher, and have a chance to win one of several doorprizes throughout the night.

The Lighthouse Gets 4.5 from Night Owl

This is so exciting and I am really thrilled. Pauline Michael of Night Owl gave The Lighthouse a 4.5 review. I am jumping for joy here. Click the link to read the review.

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Paulinemichael-reviews-The-Lighthouse-by-Kat-Holmes.aspx

Jeaniene Frost On Tonight's BTR!

Jeaniene Frost is my talented guest tonight on my BTR show. And the show is being guest hosted by Delilah K. Stephans. I hope you'll join us all at 6 PM EST. Go to my BTR show to join in the chat room or dial 619-393-6798 to speak to Jeaniene and Delilah in person.

Bundled!

Hey check out these bundled books. My Mom's book Suc U is included and all her proceeds from the sale are going to Providence House, a local women's shelter. It's a fun little story and your money will go to support a great cause. Suc U releases in October. But all of her books starting with this month's release, Beyond Yesterday and going through December's release, The Christmas War will go to Providence House. Just click on the picture to be taken to the bundle page.

Brand New Cover!

I have a stunning new cover done the extremely talented Delilah K. Stephans. Dangerous Voice will release from Muse It Hot in November. And this is my first cover with the new Muse logo on it.:-)

Ten Years To The Day

Like most people alive ten years ago, I remember everything about that horrible day when the twin towers fell. I remember where I was and what I was doing. The images of that day still haunt me, especially the pictures of people jumping from the burning buildings.

It's hard to imagine that it actually has been ten years. The wounds still feel fresh. The worry for my family still feels new and real. I suppose that day will haunt me for as long as I live. I know it haunts others.

It is so hard for me to understand why anyone, no matter what religion or political view they have, can hate anyone else so much that they willingly cause so much pain and suffering. And I don't understand their countrymen, those still living, cheering and applauding so many needless deaths of men, women and children.

Yes children died that day too. And I have to ask, what political gain or religious god is worth murdering the innocent? And yet, still people cheer that day and the misery it brought. It blows my mind.

But what gets me most is the politicians of our own nation who are still blinded by their own ambitions that they forget the message of that day. Still the two parties bicker and fight each other for every single concession. Still they argue about every scrap of funding for programs needed to help the American people. There is no excuse.

Today is the 10th anniversary of the worst day in this nation's history. So I ask everyone, take a moment to stop and think. Remember to tell your friends and family how much you care. And tell your politicians to stop fighting amongst themselves and put the people first if they truly want to honor those who died ten years ago. Let something good rise from amongst the rubble.

Double Release Day!

This is so exciting for me. I am sharing a release day with my Mom and fellow author L.J. Holmes. This means so much to us. Mom's book is called Beyond Yesterday and all author sales from the book are being donated to Providence House, a local women's abuse shelter.

My book is book two in my Gods At Work series titled Heart Of The Queen. This is Hera's story and I am so proud of it. Both my mother's cover and mine were done by the very talented cover art goddess of Muse It Up Publishing, Delilah K. Stephans.

You can find both our books, Beyond Yesterday and Heart Of The Queen at Muse It Up's bookstore. Woohoo!

My Hero...My Best Friend

Sometimes life gets so crazy we forget to tell the people we love just how much they mean to us. So, I'm taking a moment to tell my Mom, Lin Holmes, just how vital she is to me.

You are my hero and my best friend. Every day, even when I'm sick, there is joy because you always stand by me and support me. You can make me laugh even when I'm upset and that is no small gift.

You gave me Mamabear, my little angel. She was and is the best gift ever. But most importantly, you give me your unconditional love and friendship. Without you, life would be boring and without sunlight. You are my hero and you always will be. I hope I am even one tenth the woman you are. I love you Mom. 

Been Awhile!

I've been sick for quite some time but I'm back with lots of cool news. First off, book six in my Gods At Work series has been contracted by Muse It Hot Publishing. It will be Artemis's story and is called Under The Huntress Moon.

Book two, Heart Of The Queen which is Hera's story will be releasing in just a couple weeks in September. I am so excited. I can't wait. I love this story. Hera is so cool.

I've finished edits on my upcoming short story Dangerous Voice releasing in November. I'll display the cover as soon as I get it.

I'm also going to be making lots of blog stops in the next few months. In September I'll be at the Muse blog talking about back to school stuff and in October I'll be there helping to celebrate Halloween.

Also I have a couple of awesome guests lined up for my BTR show in the next few weeks. Jeaniene Frost, Linnea Sinclair, and Lauren Dane just to name a few.

I promise to keep you all posted as the dates get closer. And hopefully I will have some more really great news very soon.

THIS TIME FOREVER'S TOWEL SHAKES IT LOOSE

I'd like to take a moment and introduce myself. I am Kat Holmes, Hostess of

Kat's Writing Pen radio show on the BTR network.

Tonight I am interviewing a very special guest from the newly released (August 12th), and soon to be a Classic by L.J. Holmes,

THIS TIME FOREVER, the very popular and more often than not DISDAINED covering of the male

Centurion Marcus Andronius.

Because of a MODULATION issue, my guest chose this method to meet and greet his many fans instead of trying to

wave at you over the radio.

Let me welcome the unquestioned star of the THIS TIME FOREVER cover, done by the extremely talented and provocative

Muse It Up Publishing, Inc. head Cover Art Goddess,

Delilah K. Stephans, Terrance Kloth.

Mr. Kloth...

Call me Terry.

Like Terry Kloth?

(with a devilish wink) Exactly!

Of course, Terry. Tell us, Terry, after all these

months of feeling the

disdain of viewers over your cover, how has it been since

Friday when you literally dropped your

guard?

Well, it's a

relief actually. All this time you all thought Marcus, the man behind me, was the true star of THIS TIME FOREVER, but the truth is my sheer

elegance,

intricate weave, and may I be so bold as to say,

absorbency, has been grossly

overlooked!

I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Terry.

(scowling) Of course not. You look at me draped over Marcus'...uhm...

treasury and cannot see my own

golden features. It's kind of like those

club chairs in front of Marcus'

powerful bulges on the cover. Until you're told they're there do you notice them? NO! All you see are Marcus' rippling muscles, and his near state of all-togetherness. Never mind that I have

golden threads...no, not threads of what you would think comprise my elegance...MY threads are of genuine

spun gold woven throughout the total me, making me worth far more both on and off Marcus. HE is JUST a Centurion!

I see you're skeptical. Well perhaps I should share my true lineage. My dad was a rich

gold vein and mother, she was as prime a specimen of a

spinning wheel as you are ever likely to come across. Together they made magic...Me!

You're not joking are you?

Hardly. You won't find another specimen like me anywhere in all the worlds of the

Universe!

How did you end up...uh

draped over Marcus Andronius' lower portions?

(shrugging his glittery weave) He's

Roman! They stole everything not nailed down and burned those things that were.

(Shuddering expressively) I suppose I should be glad I fit into the former category. At least I was allowed to continue on. There was this really cute

root cellar...Sad really,

so very sad seeing her brackets light up the sky after the Romans

torched her.


So you don't like Marcus Andronius?

He was okay. Actually I really like

Ariana. I'm a GUY cloth and no, I don't wrap both ways. Oh that sounded bad didn't it?

Marcus was an okay enough chap, but Ariana? Ohhhh Lordy the

hands on that woman got my

fibers standing

at attention every time! Luckily I got to

wrap myself around her body often enough to tolerate Marcus. Mmmm I can still almost feel

her scent sinking into my weave.

How did you manage to evade Marcus and Ariana's fate?

(Terry gave a scant look over his shoulder as if checking for spies.) There's more to me than meets the

eye. Let's just say

 my particular weave wound up in things history calls

Magic

Carpets. We all have our talents.

Then you didn't have to

with Marcus after you were

stolen?

I was

asleep when I was stolen. When I woke up the first thing I saw was

Ariana. What towel in control of his faculties would leave that?

But it is Marcus you are almost covering on the THIS TIME FOREVER cover.

Yeah.

(snorting) Even a towel's life isn't always fair.

So what's next for Terry Kloth?

Well I heard through the

Muse

grapevine there this

Native American goddess,

Kira Firebird coming through soon. I might just stick around and see if her

guardian some ridiculously inept wolf-dog called

Boomerang is worthy of the position. Who knows I might just decide to hang around


anyway and see where she takes me.

Then we will keep our eye out for a

return

from one Terry Kloth in the not too

distant future. I hope you'll

and tell us about Boomerang and Kira if you do stick around.

(graciously)


I'd like to

Terry Kloth for joining me today. The cover of his book

THIS TIME FOREVER can be found over at

Muse It Up Publishing Inc.'s bookstore where for a small price, $2.50 you can find out what happens when Terry Kloth lets his guard down and Marcus Andronius is exposed for all to enjoy.

This is Kat Holmes and my Head Mistress Mama Bear signing off. Be sure to come on over to my

BTR show on

for the weekly

FIRESIDE CHAT

with THIS TIME FOREVER author

L.J. Holmes and well me, Kat Holmes.